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Hunter-led Conservation

Are hunters the unsung heroes of biodiversity regeneration?
Success story: comeback of the Mongolian wild horse

How Hunting Grounds act as sanctuaries for wildlife, biodiversity restoration, and a legacy for future generations

For generations, hunters have been at the forefront of land conservation, preserving vast tracts of wilderness and biodiversity. The passion of the hunting community for the outdoors and their commitment to ensuring a future for fish and wildlife populations form the foundation of current efforts to protect and sustainably manage these resources for all to enjoy. Let’s explore the crucial role of hunter-led conservation in protecting our natural heritage, and its significance in achieving global biodiversity goals.

The Misunderstood Conservation Power of Hunting Grounds

Hunters have long been instrumental in preserving natural landscapes, often without widespread recognition. In Europe and Africa, for example, millions of hectares of land have remained ecologically intact in the face of intensive human development pressures due to their status as hunting grounds. These areas serve as crucial habitats for diverse wildlife and plant species, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation. Wetlands are particularly under pressure from development. Hunters have been instrumental in protecting and restoring wetland habitats, which are critical for many species, particularly migratory birds.

Private Landowners: Conservation's Unsung Champions

Many hunting grounds are privately owned, with landowners choosing to maintain these areas for their natural beauty and hunting rather than succumbing to development pressures. This decision has inadvertently created a mosaic of landscapes across Europe and beyond and outside of “formal” protected areas, helping maintain ecosystem services and even regenerate biodiversity in impacted areas adjacent to private hunting grounds.

Case Study: According to the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), 48% of German forests are privately owned. A significant portion are managed as hunting grounds, some by CIC members, providing essential habitats for species like the red deer and wild boar

The Science Behind Hunter-Led Conservation

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the positive impact of well-managed hunting grounds on biodiversity. These areas often serve as refuges for threatened species and maintain ecological processes crucial for ecosystem health. Hunters support and participate in science-based wildlife management, contributing to data collection and population monitoring efforts.

Lobbying for Nature: Hunters as Political Advocates

For decades, hunting organizations have lobbied tirelessly to protect natural areas from urbanization and industrialized agriculture. This advocacy has been crucial in maintaining green corridors and preserving biodiversity. CIC works to strengthen partnerships between hunters, conservation organizations, wildlife management agencies, including by providing a voice in international agreements such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and CITES.

OECMs: Recognizing Hunting Grounds in Global Conservation Efforts

 Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) under the Global Biodiversity Framework recognise sustainble use in public and private lands. This acknowledgment highlights their importance in achieving international conservation targets.

Future Prospects: Enhancing the Role of Hunters in Conservation

As we face global biodiversity challenges, the role of hunters in conservation is more critical than ever. By embracing scientific management practices and collaborating with conservation organizations, hunters can further enhance their positive impact on nature preservation. There’s a need to recruit new hunters and anglers to continue the conservation tradition of our ancestors and ensure ongoing funding for wildlife management. Join CIC in supporting hunter-led conservation initiatives. Together, we can protect our natural heritage for future generations.”

50% decline

in parts of Europe

Vital Statistics

Scientific name: Gallinago gallinago
Length: 25-27cm
Wingspan: 46cm
Weight: 110g
Average lifespan: 3 years

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